Studying abroad can be an opportunity to learn more about your religious and faith identity in a global context. Students can use these resources to connect with support and communities for your religion while abroad.
Questions to Consider When Selecting a Program
- What are the social attitudes towards my religious identities in my host country?
- What are the differences between the religious identities of my home & host countries?
- Is there any political unrest related to my religious identities in the countries I will visit?
- What are potential microaggressions or forms of prejudice or discrimination I may face? Moreover, how can I prepare to respond?
- Where will I feel welcome, safe, & respected in country?
- What resources does the school abroad have in place to support me?
- What perceptions do I have of my host country? How might my perceptions influence the way
I interact abroad? Furthermore, how can I remain open to learning about my host culture and represented religious there?
Resources for Religious Support Abroad
Buddhist Resources
- World Buddhist Directory: Guide to finding a Buddhist center or organization near you.
Catholic Resources
- Blog post: Maintaining faith while abroad.
Jewish Resources
- KAHAL: Your Jewish Home Abroad: Through partnerships with the global Jewish community, KAHAL helps students participate in events and build their own relationships with locals and other students in their host cities. Sign up for KAHAL to get resources on holiday celebrations, Shabbat dinners, and other opportunities while traveling. KAHAL will help you jump into the culture around you by accessing the local Jewish community.
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Kosher Delight: Identifies synagogues and kosher restaurants around the world
Hindu Resources
- All Hindu Temples: Hindu temple directory in more than 50 countries.
Muslim Resources
- IslamiCity: Source of Islamic information and large Muslim e-Community.
- IslamicFinder: Directory of prayer times, Islamic organizations, and mosques worldwide.
- Salatomatic: Guide to finding mosques and Islamic institutions near you.
- Zabihah: Directory of halal restaurants and stores worldwide.
Protestant Resources
- Australia: Fellowship of Christian University Students.
- Church Finder: Directory of international church listings.
General Resources
- Visit Chapman's Fish Interfaith Center for guidance on your journey with faith.
- International Religious Freedom Report (U.S. Department of State): Status of religious freedom in countries around the globe.
- BBC Guide to World Religions: Brief overview of religions around the world with links to additional resources.
- Harvard University Pluralism Project: offers extensive information on world religions and focuses on the meaning of religious pluralism.
- Connect With a Religious Community as an International Student: USnews.com article on how students of religious backgrounds can meet people of their faith while studying abroad.
